A/N: Wow! You guys are really enjoying this, and that thrills me! Thanks
to everyone who left feedback on the last chapter! I'm having a blast
writing this story (It's my personal fav)! Thanks again!
Disclaimer: Honestly, do you really think I own them?
*********************************
Great. It was Monday, and that meant one thing- double Potions right after breakfast. All of the fifth year Gryffindors were standing in the hallway outside of the dungeons. Each one looked to be anticipating the early morning Potions lesson even less than the one before them. Lavender was braiding Parvati's hair into a long plait while Parvati picked at her fingernails sleepily. Dean and Neville were both lounging against the wall, their eyes closed and bored expressions on their face. Seamus, Harry, and Ron were deep in a discussion about the upcoming Quidditch tryouts. And Hermione was on the floor, the Fifth Year Standard Book of Spells open on her lap, not paying attention to anything around her.
It wasn't until a low, drawling voice jerked her out of her reverie that she woke up. The Slytherins had joined them in the hallway, Draco Malfoy, of course, in the lead. He was addressing the small circle that included Seamus, Harry, and Ron.
"Going out for Quidditch, Weasley?" he asked, a hint of a smirk on his lips.
"Yeah," Ron said defensively. "What's it to you?"
Malfoy laughed. "Oh, it's nothing really. I was just wondering how your parents would afford a third Quidditch player. It's not a cheap game, you know."
Several of the Slytherins laughed, and Ron grew red. "Sod off, Malfoy," he said through clinched teeth.
Malfoy, though, was not about to drop the subject. "It's a good thing your little sister doesn't want to play, too. Why, your parents would probably have to starve for three months!"
This had all of the Slytherins nearly rolling with laughter. All eight of the Gryffindors were glaring at them dangerously.
"Oh, why don't you grow up, Malfoy?" Lavender asked suddenly, her blue eyes flashing.
This caused all of the Slytherins to turn to her, and Pansy Parkinson spoke. "Defending Weasley, Lavender? Got a thing for him, do you? Feel the need to protect him?" She grinned evilly. "I thought that was Granger's job."
Hermione glared up at her for only a second and listened to the nasty little snickers around her before slamming the book shut and standing up. "And what's your job, Pansy?" she challenged daringly. "Following Malfoy around like the sick, rejected little puppy you are and always will be?"
This caused no snickers at all, for every single Slytherin and Gryffindor alike was far too in shock to make any noise. It took several moments for the insult to reach Pansy's brain before her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Oh, that's funny, Granger. What happened? Straightened your hair and developed a sense of wit all in one summer?"
"Well, if that was supposed to be funny, you seriously need to take some wit lessons of your own," Hermione shot back instantly.
"At least she would be able to afford them," Malfoy sneered. "Unlike certain members of your little circle, Granger."
Hermione was about to shoot back at the blonde-headed snake, but Ron beat her to it.
"That is getting so old, Malfoy. When are you going to come up with something better?" His face was tinged red nonetheless.
"The moment you show up in new robes." Malfoy's latest crack got the Slytherins laughing again.
Ron looked to be seriously edging the end of his rope; his normally bright blue eyes were darkening menacingly. Harry grabbed his arm before he could lunge at Malfoy and whispered to his best friend, "Just ignore him. He's not worth the trouble."
Malfoy just continued to laugh. "I can't wait to see how your parents make it if you do get on the Quidditch team…"
Ron jerked his arm away from Harry and reached for the collar of Malfoy's robes, but Hermione quickly jumped in front of him, blocking his way. "Ron, no!" she said quickly. "You'll get expelled!"
"Of course, your mother could do to skip a few meals, so maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing." Malfoy's last comment had all the Slytherins nearly howling with laughter and Ron absolutely boiling.
Hermione, too, was furious. "I, on the other hand, will only get detention."
And with that, she'd whipped around and knocked Malfoy right in the nose as hard as she could. He staggered backwards and looked at her in shock. He wasn't the only one looking at her like that, though. Every single person in the corridor was absolutely speechless. Hermione didn't wait for any of them to make a sound before she lunged once again at the annoying prat in front of her. This time she shoved him hard enough to knock him to the ground where she collapsed on top of him, sending him sprawling onto his back. Without thinking, she started to once again pound away at his face, sending her fists as hard as she could into his nose, lip, and jaw.
She was dimly aware of people yelling all around her. Her housemates were screaming words of encouragement, and she could hear Pansy Parkinson's high- pitched voice yelling for somebody to do something. Hermione paid attention to none of them, and she didn't even wonder why Crabbe and Goyle weren't jumping to Malfoy's defense. She was only focusing on doing something she'd wanted to do for a long time.
Ron and Harry were both stunned speechless. Their mouths were hanging open in shock, and they shared a very brief look of impressed disbelief before turning back to watch their best friend pound away at their worst enemy.
"We should do something. She's really going to get in trouble." Harry finally whispered, earning a nod from the redhead beside of him.
Ron hesitated for only a moment more before hurrying over. "Hermione, stop!" he hissed at her, though truthfully, he was enjoying this probably more than he'd ever enjoyed anything in his life. When she gave no sign of acknowledging him, Ron reached down and physically lifted her away from the now not-so-cocky Slytherin she was on top of.
"Get off, Ron!" Hermione yelled, kicking in mid-air as she struggled against him. Ron held her tightly, though, restraining her from escaping.
"Stop!" he hissed at her once more. And finally, she stopped struggling long enough to watch Malfoy stumble to his feet. He was holding a hand to his nose, obviously not wanting anyone to see the blood pouring from it. He glared briefly at Crabbe and Goyle who were both staring at him dumbstruck before turning his glare to Hermione who shot it right back at him.
"How does it feel to get the shit beat out of you by a girl?" Seamus sneered from beside Harry.
Malfoy, though, ignored him and focused his words on the girl in question. "Ugly little Mudblood bitch," he muttered.
Hermione made a move to lunge for him once again, but she quickly found Ron shoving her behind him and into Harry's arms. She watched with uncharacteristic pleasure as Ron proceeded to finish what she had started.
It took only a second for both Ron and Malfoy to tumble to the ground in a mix of what was now two sets of fists instead of just one. Malfoy wouldn't have dared hit Hermione back, but he didn't think twice about throwing his own punches at the youngest Weasley boy. The two fifth years were rolling around in what was easily the best fight Hogwarts had seen in a few years.
All around them, people were yelling words of encouragement from both sides. The Gryffindors were all ecstatic at the sight, considering Ron seemed to be winning the brawl. Insults were being hurled every which way by the Slytherins at not only Ron but Hermione, as well. Ron seemed to be taking no notice of the insults, though it did seem as though every time the word 'Mudblood' was yelled, he always landed a rather hard punch quite instantly. Hermione, though, was definitely taking notice, and she was doing something quite out of character for the well-behaved Gryffindor that she was.
She was swearing up a storm.
Harry didn't know whether to be more enthralled by the sight of Ron nearly murdering Malfoy with his bare hands or in the sight of Hermione telling Pansy Parkinson to "shut the hell up and kiss my ass." Both were equally exciting.
"You…" Malfoy had to struggle for breath as he addressed the boy he was fighting with, "and that know-it-all bitch…" A punch landed directly on his jaw, and it took him a minute to resume speaking, "I would think even a Mudblood could do better than a Weasley!"
Ron was about to respond with his fists, but Hermione had suddenly jerked free of Harry and run over to the two people on the floor. With all of her might, she kicked Malfoy in the side of his stomach, earning a loud "Oof!" from the Slytherin.
"Why don't you go fuck yourself, you bastard?" she spat out angrily, glaring down at the person in question.
Ron definitely took notice of this.
Momentarily forgetting what he was supposed to be doing, he stopped fighting and looked straight up at Hermione with the same look he'd given her when she'd slapped Malfoy in their third year- a mixture of shock and admiration, blood dripping from his lip and his left eye swelling rapidly. Hermione blushed slightly and shrugged, biting her lower lip. Ron finally burst into a full-out smile which Hermione returned instantly.
Harry was too shocked to do anything but stand there.
During Ron's momentary lapse of attention, Malfoy managed to land a good shot at Ron's lip, bringing even more blood to the surface. It didn't take Ron long to regain his status as winner of the fight. Despite the blood pouring from his lip and the now purple eye, Ron still looked much better off than Malfoy did. The Slytherin was still sporting the bloodied nose that Hermione had given him, though it appeared that Ron had made it worse, as it was now at a slightly odd angle. He, too, had a black eye, and his left cheek seemed to have completely turned blue with a horrible bruise.
Through staggered breaths, Malfoy managed to get one last insult in. "You… should teach… your… girlfriend… to act like… a… lady… I don't… think… bitches… are acceptable… mates… even for the… poor… community…"
Ron raised his knee and landed it exactly where he knew Malfoy would feel it the most.
The two fighters didn't take notice of a furious Potions master making his way quickly toward the commotion. In fact, it took several moments for their classmates to even notice him. Their yelling gradually died as more and more took notice, but the fighting didn't cease until Snape had literally dragged Ron off of Malfoy.
"Get up!" he ordered. "Both of you!"
After they'd both managed to get to their feet, Snape still holding Ron's arm to restrain him, they shot glaring daggers at each other.
"What is going on?" Snape demanded, looking directly at Malfoy for the answer.
"They attacked me, Sir," Malfoy said earnestly. "Both of them!"
Snape's angry look transformed into a somehow amused look. "Both of them? Potter was involved as well?" For some reason, this prospect seemed to be bringing him inner joy.
"No, Sir," Malfoy pointed at Hermione who was behind the professor. "Granger."
Snape turned on his heels to survey the girl in question. Though he couldn't mask his shock, it was obvious that Miss Granger had, in fact, been involved in the brawl. Her shirt was coming untucked in several places from the waistband of her skirt, and her hair, which had been pulled into a tight ponytail at breakfast, was now hanging loosely out of its elastic band, long strands falling into her face.
"Well, well, well," Snape said in his usual drawling whisper. "This is certainly unexpected."
Both Ron and Hermione knew well enough not to speak and even attempt to defend themselves, as it would be an attempt made in vain. They each stood staring at the professor, not allowing themselves to show any fear of him. Snape stood staring right back, an evil little grin on his pale face.
"Tell me, how is it that the student with the highest marks in the entire fifth year finds herself in such a situation? I would have expected nothing less from Weasley, but Miss Granger, I am quite shocked."
Hermione chose not to answer; she forced herself to just stay silent. It would prove her profitable in the end, she knew. She was thankful that Ron, too, was keeping his mouth closed.
When Snape realized he was getting no response, he shot them both a nasty glare. "This is most unacceptable. I'll see you both expelled for this."
Hermione felt something in her stomach drop, but she forced herself not to cry. Even though she could feel the tears stinging at the backs of her eyes.
Snape turned to the other member of the brawl. "Mr. Malfoy, you may go to the infirmary and get yourself cleaned up. You two," he turned back to Ron and Hermione, "will follow me. Everyone else will wait here until I return." With that, he turned on his heels and glided back up the staircase.
Ron and Hermione followed silently, not daring to look at each other or any of their classmates. They could hear several of the Slytherins laughing, but they ignored them and made their way up the stairs after the Potions master.
******************************************
Twenty minutes later, the pair of Gryffindors was sitting in an empty Charms classroom, waiting for the return of their Professor. He had left them there with yet another promise of expulsion before heading off to get the Headmaster. They'd not spoken a word to each other since his disappearance, and the silence was threatening to consume them both. Ron was glaring angrily at the floor, and Hermione was sitting nervously in a chair, swallowing every few seconds to assure that she wouldn't break into tears.
Finally, she broke the silence, unable to deal with it any longer. "What time is it?" It was a stupid question, but at least the silence was no longer threatening them.
Ron glanced up from the floor at his watch and muttered, "Ten fifteen."
Hermione nodded slowly and looked down at her lap. "Ron, what do you think is going to happen?" she blurted out suddenly.
Ron looked up at her and said nothing for a minute before shrugging his shoulders. "You heard Snape."
"But I can't get expelled!" she cried out seriously, no longer interested in her lap. She could feel the tears once again welling in her eyes, and she willed them away.
"They're not going to expel the smartest girl in the school for fighting," he said emotionlessly. "You don't have to worry about that. But me… I expect I'll be on a train home tomorrow." He was speaking quite bitterly now, and Hermione was positive she was about to cry.
"But Dumbledore is the only one who can expel us," she spoke up hopefully. "He's always fair! He'll listen to us!"
Ron just shrugged again and stared back down at the floor. He didn't speak at all, and Hermione had nothing else to say, either. They sat in silence for several more minutes before the door to the classroom burst open. In walked a smug-looking Professor Snape, a furious-looking Professor McGonagall, and a disappointed-looking Professor Dumbledore. It was the last of the three that got to them the most.
Professor McGonagall was the first to speak. Her voice was loud and more angry than they'd ever heard it. "The two of you have done some pretty exasperating things since you came to this school, but I have never been more furious with either of you! What kind of an example are you setting for the younger Gryffindors?! What do you think they think when they see two fifth years fighting like children? You are supposed to be setting an example, and you go and behave as though you were still eleven years old! I cannot believe this! You should both be utterly ashamed of yourselves!"
Hermione wasn't sure about Ron, but she knew that her Head of House's speech was making her feel most shameful. She looked down at her lap once again and listened to the rest of the lecture.
"I would like to think that you were somewhat mature, but I suppose that is too much to hope for! Fifty points from Gryffindor- each!" She finished with a sharp glare that was enough to make both of them melt sheepishly into their seats.
Professor Dumbledore sighed slightly and shook his head. "Well, I cannot say that I'm not disappointed in the two of you. However, as much as I'm aware that the two of you have your irritable moments with each other, I find it hard to believe that one of your arguments has turned so physical." His eyes fell on Ron's busted lip and now very swollen eye. "Am I wrong in assuming that there is a missing party here?"
"Headmaster, they each attacked Mr. Malfoy separately. I've sent him to the hospital wing to be taken care of." Snape spoke up in the same sort of voice that Malfoy used whenever addressing him- sleazy and sucking up.
A small smile covered Professor Dumbledore's face as he nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes. Mr. Malfoy. Well, that explains a lot." He turned to Ron and Hermione. "Well, it pains me to see two of the most promising students Hogwarts has to offer engaging in such childish behavior, but I also understand that some things are inevitable. I am actually quite surprised that we have not been forced to deal with an incident like this in the past."
He didn't sound too angry. Hermione held her breath.
"Seeing as Professor McGonagall has already taken a hundred points from Gryffindor, I think it only fair to remove fifty from Slytherin on Mr. Malfoy's behalf."
Ron and Hermione then snuck a small grin at each other just as Snape protested.
"But, sir! If you had seen Mr. Malfoy! He looked absolutely…"
"Now, Severus," Professor Dumbledore said with a small smile, "I would hope that you would expect me to take care of this in the fairest manner possible. It does take two, or in this case three, to fight." He turned his attention back to the students. "I hope that in the future the both you will use your brains before you resort to your fists."
Ron and Hermione glanced at each and muttered a "Yes, Sir," in unison.
The Headmaster nodded. "Right then. Well, Professors, I believe our lunch is nearly prepared. Shall we?"
Professor McGonagall shot another fierce look at her students before exiting the classroom. Snape shot them each a nasty glare before hesitantly following her. Dumbledore turned once more. "Mr. Weasley, perhaps you should see Madam Pomfrey. Your eye is looking rather nasty." Ron nodded, and Professor Dumbledore asked on more question. "Tell me, though. Did you win the fight?"
Ron glanced at Hermione who nodded. Dumbledore did not comment, but a small smile crossed his lips, and he winked at the pair. "I shall see you both at lunch."
He left the two of them alone, shutting the door behind him. They turned to each other and broke into identical grins.
It had totally been worth it.
************************************
Please leave feedback!!!!! (
Disclaimer: Honestly, do you really think I own them?
*********************************
Great. It was Monday, and that meant one thing- double Potions right after breakfast. All of the fifth year Gryffindors were standing in the hallway outside of the dungeons. Each one looked to be anticipating the early morning Potions lesson even less than the one before them. Lavender was braiding Parvati's hair into a long plait while Parvati picked at her fingernails sleepily. Dean and Neville were both lounging against the wall, their eyes closed and bored expressions on their face. Seamus, Harry, and Ron were deep in a discussion about the upcoming Quidditch tryouts. And Hermione was on the floor, the Fifth Year Standard Book of Spells open on her lap, not paying attention to anything around her.
It wasn't until a low, drawling voice jerked her out of her reverie that she woke up. The Slytherins had joined them in the hallway, Draco Malfoy, of course, in the lead. He was addressing the small circle that included Seamus, Harry, and Ron.
"Going out for Quidditch, Weasley?" he asked, a hint of a smirk on his lips.
"Yeah," Ron said defensively. "What's it to you?"
Malfoy laughed. "Oh, it's nothing really. I was just wondering how your parents would afford a third Quidditch player. It's not a cheap game, you know."
Several of the Slytherins laughed, and Ron grew red. "Sod off, Malfoy," he said through clinched teeth.
Malfoy, though, was not about to drop the subject. "It's a good thing your little sister doesn't want to play, too. Why, your parents would probably have to starve for three months!"
This had all of the Slytherins nearly rolling with laughter. All eight of the Gryffindors were glaring at them dangerously.
"Oh, why don't you grow up, Malfoy?" Lavender asked suddenly, her blue eyes flashing.
This caused all of the Slytherins to turn to her, and Pansy Parkinson spoke. "Defending Weasley, Lavender? Got a thing for him, do you? Feel the need to protect him?" She grinned evilly. "I thought that was Granger's job."
Hermione glared up at her for only a second and listened to the nasty little snickers around her before slamming the book shut and standing up. "And what's your job, Pansy?" she challenged daringly. "Following Malfoy around like the sick, rejected little puppy you are and always will be?"
This caused no snickers at all, for every single Slytherin and Gryffindor alike was far too in shock to make any noise. It took several moments for the insult to reach Pansy's brain before her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Oh, that's funny, Granger. What happened? Straightened your hair and developed a sense of wit all in one summer?"
"Well, if that was supposed to be funny, you seriously need to take some wit lessons of your own," Hermione shot back instantly.
"At least she would be able to afford them," Malfoy sneered. "Unlike certain members of your little circle, Granger."
Hermione was about to shoot back at the blonde-headed snake, but Ron beat her to it.
"That is getting so old, Malfoy. When are you going to come up with something better?" His face was tinged red nonetheless.
"The moment you show up in new robes." Malfoy's latest crack got the Slytherins laughing again.
Ron looked to be seriously edging the end of his rope; his normally bright blue eyes were darkening menacingly. Harry grabbed his arm before he could lunge at Malfoy and whispered to his best friend, "Just ignore him. He's not worth the trouble."
Malfoy just continued to laugh. "I can't wait to see how your parents make it if you do get on the Quidditch team…"
Ron jerked his arm away from Harry and reached for the collar of Malfoy's robes, but Hermione quickly jumped in front of him, blocking his way. "Ron, no!" she said quickly. "You'll get expelled!"
"Of course, your mother could do to skip a few meals, so maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing." Malfoy's last comment had all the Slytherins nearly howling with laughter and Ron absolutely boiling.
Hermione, too, was furious. "I, on the other hand, will only get detention."
And with that, she'd whipped around and knocked Malfoy right in the nose as hard as she could. He staggered backwards and looked at her in shock. He wasn't the only one looking at her like that, though. Every single person in the corridor was absolutely speechless. Hermione didn't wait for any of them to make a sound before she lunged once again at the annoying prat in front of her. This time she shoved him hard enough to knock him to the ground where she collapsed on top of him, sending him sprawling onto his back. Without thinking, she started to once again pound away at his face, sending her fists as hard as she could into his nose, lip, and jaw.
She was dimly aware of people yelling all around her. Her housemates were screaming words of encouragement, and she could hear Pansy Parkinson's high- pitched voice yelling for somebody to do something. Hermione paid attention to none of them, and she didn't even wonder why Crabbe and Goyle weren't jumping to Malfoy's defense. She was only focusing on doing something she'd wanted to do for a long time.
Ron and Harry were both stunned speechless. Their mouths were hanging open in shock, and they shared a very brief look of impressed disbelief before turning back to watch their best friend pound away at their worst enemy.
"We should do something. She's really going to get in trouble." Harry finally whispered, earning a nod from the redhead beside of him.
Ron hesitated for only a moment more before hurrying over. "Hermione, stop!" he hissed at her, though truthfully, he was enjoying this probably more than he'd ever enjoyed anything in his life. When she gave no sign of acknowledging him, Ron reached down and physically lifted her away from the now not-so-cocky Slytherin she was on top of.
"Get off, Ron!" Hermione yelled, kicking in mid-air as she struggled against him. Ron held her tightly, though, restraining her from escaping.
"Stop!" he hissed at her once more. And finally, she stopped struggling long enough to watch Malfoy stumble to his feet. He was holding a hand to his nose, obviously not wanting anyone to see the blood pouring from it. He glared briefly at Crabbe and Goyle who were both staring at him dumbstruck before turning his glare to Hermione who shot it right back at him.
"How does it feel to get the shit beat out of you by a girl?" Seamus sneered from beside Harry.
Malfoy, though, ignored him and focused his words on the girl in question. "Ugly little Mudblood bitch," he muttered.
Hermione made a move to lunge for him once again, but she quickly found Ron shoving her behind him and into Harry's arms. She watched with uncharacteristic pleasure as Ron proceeded to finish what she had started.
It took only a second for both Ron and Malfoy to tumble to the ground in a mix of what was now two sets of fists instead of just one. Malfoy wouldn't have dared hit Hermione back, but he didn't think twice about throwing his own punches at the youngest Weasley boy. The two fifth years were rolling around in what was easily the best fight Hogwarts had seen in a few years.
All around them, people were yelling words of encouragement from both sides. The Gryffindors were all ecstatic at the sight, considering Ron seemed to be winning the brawl. Insults were being hurled every which way by the Slytherins at not only Ron but Hermione, as well. Ron seemed to be taking no notice of the insults, though it did seem as though every time the word 'Mudblood' was yelled, he always landed a rather hard punch quite instantly. Hermione, though, was definitely taking notice, and she was doing something quite out of character for the well-behaved Gryffindor that she was.
She was swearing up a storm.
Harry didn't know whether to be more enthralled by the sight of Ron nearly murdering Malfoy with his bare hands or in the sight of Hermione telling Pansy Parkinson to "shut the hell up and kiss my ass." Both were equally exciting.
"You…" Malfoy had to struggle for breath as he addressed the boy he was fighting with, "and that know-it-all bitch…" A punch landed directly on his jaw, and it took him a minute to resume speaking, "I would think even a Mudblood could do better than a Weasley!"
Ron was about to respond with his fists, but Hermione had suddenly jerked free of Harry and run over to the two people on the floor. With all of her might, she kicked Malfoy in the side of his stomach, earning a loud "Oof!" from the Slytherin.
"Why don't you go fuck yourself, you bastard?" she spat out angrily, glaring down at the person in question.
Ron definitely took notice of this.
Momentarily forgetting what he was supposed to be doing, he stopped fighting and looked straight up at Hermione with the same look he'd given her when she'd slapped Malfoy in their third year- a mixture of shock and admiration, blood dripping from his lip and his left eye swelling rapidly. Hermione blushed slightly and shrugged, biting her lower lip. Ron finally burst into a full-out smile which Hermione returned instantly.
Harry was too shocked to do anything but stand there.
During Ron's momentary lapse of attention, Malfoy managed to land a good shot at Ron's lip, bringing even more blood to the surface. It didn't take Ron long to regain his status as winner of the fight. Despite the blood pouring from his lip and the now purple eye, Ron still looked much better off than Malfoy did. The Slytherin was still sporting the bloodied nose that Hermione had given him, though it appeared that Ron had made it worse, as it was now at a slightly odd angle. He, too, had a black eye, and his left cheek seemed to have completely turned blue with a horrible bruise.
Through staggered breaths, Malfoy managed to get one last insult in. "You… should teach… your… girlfriend… to act like… a… lady… I don't… think… bitches… are acceptable… mates… even for the… poor… community…"
Ron raised his knee and landed it exactly where he knew Malfoy would feel it the most.
The two fighters didn't take notice of a furious Potions master making his way quickly toward the commotion. In fact, it took several moments for their classmates to even notice him. Their yelling gradually died as more and more took notice, but the fighting didn't cease until Snape had literally dragged Ron off of Malfoy.
"Get up!" he ordered. "Both of you!"
After they'd both managed to get to their feet, Snape still holding Ron's arm to restrain him, they shot glaring daggers at each other.
"What is going on?" Snape demanded, looking directly at Malfoy for the answer.
"They attacked me, Sir," Malfoy said earnestly. "Both of them!"
Snape's angry look transformed into a somehow amused look. "Both of them? Potter was involved as well?" For some reason, this prospect seemed to be bringing him inner joy.
"No, Sir," Malfoy pointed at Hermione who was behind the professor. "Granger."
Snape turned on his heels to survey the girl in question. Though he couldn't mask his shock, it was obvious that Miss Granger had, in fact, been involved in the brawl. Her shirt was coming untucked in several places from the waistband of her skirt, and her hair, which had been pulled into a tight ponytail at breakfast, was now hanging loosely out of its elastic band, long strands falling into her face.
"Well, well, well," Snape said in his usual drawling whisper. "This is certainly unexpected."
Both Ron and Hermione knew well enough not to speak and even attempt to defend themselves, as it would be an attempt made in vain. They each stood staring at the professor, not allowing themselves to show any fear of him. Snape stood staring right back, an evil little grin on his pale face.
"Tell me, how is it that the student with the highest marks in the entire fifth year finds herself in such a situation? I would have expected nothing less from Weasley, but Miss Granger, I am quite shocked."
Hermione chose not to answer; she forced herself to just stay silent. It would prove her profitable in the end, she knew. She was thankful that Ron, too, was keeping his mouth closed.
When Snape realized he was getting no response, he shot them both a nasty glare. "This is most unacceptable. I'll see you both expelled for this."
Hermione felt something in her stomach drop, but she forced herself not to cry. Even though she could feel the tears stinging at the backs of her eyes.
Snape turned to the other member of the brawl. "Mr. Malfoy, you may go to the infirmary and get yourself cleaned up. You two," he turned back to Ron and Hermione, "will follow me. Everyone else will wait here until I return." With that, he turned on his heels and glided back up the staircase.
Ron and Hermione followed silently, not daring to look at each other or any of their classmates. They could hear several of the Slytherins laughing, but they ignored them and made their way up the stairs after the Potions master.
******************************************
Twenty minutes later, the pair of Gryffindors was sitting in an empty Charms classroom, waiting for the return of their Professor. He had left them there with yet another promise of expulsion before heading off to get the Headmaster. They'd not spoken a word to each other since his disappearance, and the silence was threatening to consume them both. Ron was glaring angrily at the floor, and Hermione was sitting nervously in a chair, swallowing every few seconds to assure that she wouldn't break into tears.
Finally, she broke the silence, unable to deal with it any longer. "What time is it?" It was a stupid question, but at least the silence was no longer threatening them.
Ron glanced up from the floor at his watch and muttered, "Ten fifteen."
Hermione nodded slowly and looked down at her lap. "Ron, what do you think is going to happen?" she blurted out suddenly.
Ron looked up at her and said nothing for a minute before shrugging his shoulders. "You heard Snape."
"But I can't get expelled!" she cried out seriously, no longer interested in her lap. She could feel the tears once again welling in her eyes, and she willed them away.
"They're not going to expel the smartest girl in the school for fighting," he said emotionlessly. "You don't have to worry about that. But me… I expect I'll be on a train home tomorrow." He was speaking quite bitterly now, and Hermione was positive she was about to cry.
"But Dumbledore is the only one who can expel us," she spoke up hopefully. "He's always fair! He'll listen to us!"
Ron just shrugged again and stared back down at the floor. He didn't speak at all, and Hermione had nothing else to say, either. They sat in silence for several more minutes before the door to the classroom burst open. In walked a smug-looking Professor Snape, a furious-looking Professor McGonagall, and a disappointed-looking Professor Dumbledore. It was the last of the three that got to them the most.
Professor McGonagall was the first to speak. Her voice was loud and more angry than they'd ever heard it. "The two of you have done some pretty exasperating things since you came to this school, but I have never been more furious with either of you! What kind of an example are you setting for the younger Gryffindors?! What do you think they think when they see two fifth years fighting like children? You are supposed to be setting an example, and you go and behave as though you were still eleven years old! I cannot believe this! You should both be utterly ashamed of yourselves!"
Hermione wasn't sure about Ron, but she knew that her Head of House's speech was making her feel most shameful. She looked down at her lap once again and listened to the rest of the lecture.
"I would like to think that you were somewhat mature, but I suppose that is too much to hope for! Fifty points from Gryffindor- each!" She finished with a sharp glare that was enough to make both of them melt sheepishly into their seats.
Professor Dumbledore sighed slightly and shook his head. "Well, I cannot say that I'm not disappointed in the two of you. However, as much as I'm aware that the two of you have your irritable moments with each other, I find it hard to believe that one of your arguments has turned so physical." His eyes fell on Ron's busted lip and now very swollen eye. "Am I wrong in assuming that there is a missing party here?"
"Headmaster, they each attacked Mr. Malfoy separately. I've sent him to the hospital wing to be taken care of." Snape spoke up in the same sort of voice that Malfoy used whenever addressing him- sleazy and sucking up.
A small smile covered Professor Dumbledore's face as he nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes. Mr. Malfoy. Well, that explains a lot." He turned to Ron and Hermione. "Well, it pains me to see two of the most promising students Hogwarts has to offer engaging in such childish behavior, but I also understand that some things are inevitable. I am actually quite surprised that we have not been forced to deal with an incident like this in the past."
He didn't sound too angry. Hermione held her breath.
"Seeing as Professor McGonagall has already taken a hundred points from Gryffindor, I think it only fair to remove fifty from Slytherin on Mr. Malfoy's behalf."
Ron and Hermione then snuck a small grin at each other just as Snape protested.
"But, sir! If you had seen Mr. Malfoy! He looked absolutely…"
"Now, Severus," Professor Dumbledore said with a small smile, "I would hope that you would expect me to take care of this in the fairest manner possible. It does take two, or in this case three, to fight." He turned his attention back to the students. "I hope that in the future the both you will use your brains before you resort to your fists."
Ron and Hermione glanced at each and muttered a "Yes, Sir," in unison.
The Headmaster nodded. "Right then. Well, Professors, I believe our lunch is nearly prepared. Shall we?"
Professor McGonagall shot another fierce look at her students before exiting the classroom. Snape shot them each a nasty glare before hesitantly following her. Dumbledore turned once more. "Mr. Weasley, perhaps you should see Madam Pomfrey. Your eye is looking rather nasty." Ron nodded, and Professor Dumbledore asked on more question. "Tell me, though. Did you win the fight?"
Ron glanced at Hermione who nodded. Dumbledore did not comment, but a small smile crossed his lips, and he winked at the pair. "I shall see you both at lunch."
He left the two of them alone, shutting the door behind him. They turned to each other and broke into identical grins.
It had totally been worth it.
************************************
Please leave feedback!!!!! (
